My project needs a DVD camcorder and a pack of recordable DVDs.
FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. H.'s classroom raised $554
This project is fully funded
Our high school is located in the center of our parish and therefore is the site for the only high school deaf education class in the parish. I teach three deaf students (9th and 12th graders) who communicate primarily through American Sign Language (ASL). They are the only deaf students on a campus of 513 students. Imagine being able to communicate with only a few people out of over 500! To help the hearing-impaired students communicate more effectively with their classmates and to make friends with hearing students, our school offers elective courses in American Sign Language to the students there. I teach these ASL classes.
Because ASL is a visual language, it requires instruction and feedback that utilizes pictures rather than words. Still photos and static drawings cannot accurately portray the movements needed to make the signs used in the language. Such drawings often confuse students and often are not clear. It is also difficult for students to see themselves as they are signing so they often continue to form the signs incorrectly. Live demonstrations and video presentations allow students to see the movements of the signs. Furthermore, video recordings of the students signing allows them to see if they are forming the signs correctly. It is the best way for students to monitor their own progress.
A video camera would be used to record new vocabulary (new signs) so that students can practice and review signs. By using a DVD camcorder, DVDs of the new vocabulary would be available for students to take home to study as needed. Students could record themselves signing so that they can self-monitor their progress. I would video students as they sign narratives, stories, and songs so that I could accurately evaluate their signing skills. A class set of recordable DVDs and a DVD video camera would make this possible.
The student response to our ASL classes has been extremely positive. The hearing students enrolled in the classes are eager to learn American Sign Language so that they can communicate with the deaf students on our campus. Several have already expressed interest in continuing their ASL learning so that they can become interpreters or otherwise pursue a career working with or for hearing-impaired people. A video camera and sufficient recording material for the year will help them meet that goal. You can help them see themselves learning American Sign Language.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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